Islam

[Batfink]

I think Shifu hit it on the head.... wealth

Low income regions seem to be attracted to any group that gives them purpose and power in the world. Maybe this is because they feel so helpless individually?

Look at the Christians in low income Southern USA.. they use religion to defend their bigotry and racism.

The "underdog" needs someone to fight for them even if the reason isn't sane or right. While people think of Middle East Countries being rich (oil) the general people are rather poor from all accounts. Most "towns" don;t even have running water. There is no future for the young so their energy must be turned to something, then along comes a snake oil seller and PRESTO you got "followers".....

For me the use of religion is just another way to hide greed or lust (yes I know they are both considered sins in nearly every religion). But that is why they can't just come out and say "I want what you have and I am going to kill you to get it" instead they try saying "you are a sinner and my God says I can kill you". Same result

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Just think back to the Catholic V Protestant 100 year war in Ireland
That isn;t finished yet, there is still terrorism being used and we can all remember the horrific news stories of bombing, executions, etc..
That was again a wealth based campaign with the English Land owners being mostly Catholic and the poor Irish Protestant